I Love HotSpotOutdoors.com Because?

[Shack]

Fill in your blanks!

I Love HotSpotOutdoors.com because: XYZ

Let us hear from you, the HSO member, why you love HSO!

It's Open Water baby! What brought you or keeps you here at HSO? Share with us what really keeps you, the HSO member, coming back again and again.

Old and new members. Please share with us what brought you here and what keeps you here. We want to hear from you!

Here is my explanation:

IMO it is still the greatest site on planet earth~!

I decided several years back to look onto the web and see what people were sharing about fishing. I ruled out the web at that time as being anything of significance beyond just fun. Seriously, I came upon HSO (fishingminnesota.com at the time) and hit the Mille Lacs forum. I fell head-over heals for the site. I thought the internet was dead but HSO showed me it was not. I started posting and the next thing you know I have another hundred or so personal friends I still meet and fish with today.

Fishing is one of the greatest things ever. HSO only enhances this~!

Please share with us what brought you to HSO and what keeps you here!

We want to hear from you! Our members count and what they have to say equally counts!

Please share with us why you are here and what keeps you here.

#hso

#hotspotoutdoors

#fishingminnesota

#fishing

[pikerliker]

What keeps me here is the tips and things that I have learned. A very educated crowd here! I also enjoy when people share things like personal bests, kids catching fish, helping a fellow sportsperson out, etc.

Occasionally there are folks on here who like to complain, and make snarky remarks that I don't appreciate, but those are more the exception than the rule.

I also like how the site is regionalized to different parts of the State. Very helpful and nice to hear from locals!!!

[tunrevir]

I landed here when searching for fishing reports years ago and found the site to be very informative. I love the sharing of information on tactics, fishing reports and that you can get answers for just about anything that has to do with the great outdoors and then some. I have used the expert advice forum over the years for lawn and garden questions, home improvement, motor repair, electronics questions and love that we have knowledgable staff that can help you find the answers you are looking for. I also like this site because of the professionalism of the staff and how it is monitered. Kind of like a big online family with the common interest in the pursuits of the great outdoors.

Tunrevir~

[DTro]

Hey its Shackbash, where ya been man?

I think my post count and registration date speaks for itself as to how much time I’ve spent here. Lots of good memories and some lifelong friends met as a direct result of this site.

10 years ago, there was one or maybe 2 places I went to get fishing info and I could spend 90% of my time at either spot

Fishing Minnesota will forever be a part of my life and I hope it continues to be a force in the Social Media fishing world,

[monstermoose78]

A friend is why I joined. He said it is a good place to see fishing reports. Well what keeps me here is the people. It sure feels good to get nice PM's saying thank you for helping with information they were looking for. There is so much knowledge here that is willing to be shared and all you need to do is ask.

[BartmanMN]

I love HotpotOutdoors because of the wide variety of forums with a huge member population with a wealth of information. There aren't a lot of sites around where you can talk fishing, hunting, cooking, automotive repair, boats, lawn/garden, edibles, sports, etc.

One stop shopping for all hobbies.

[SkunkedAgain]

I was drawn in by the regional fishing info, but quickly found lots of good sub forums. My wife still shakes her head when I tell her that the awesome food she just ate came from the Cooking section of the fishing forum. The same goes for fixing something on the truck, house, or in the yard. Lots of good advice on many different topics.

As crazy as Silly Town is and how little I try to participate these days, I still think it's a valuable place for people to air their true feelings, even if the trolls abound. It reminds us all that there are vastly different perspectives on every issue, and while you may not agree with them, it's worth looking at events through multiple lenses.

[delmuts]

Can't remember what brought me here.(Getting old!! )

Some of the things that bring me back every day are;

1 I learn early on that you are FAMILY here. Many of us have had problems, that many others have also experienced. You don't know how good it is to be able to talk it over with others. Family crisis? This FAMILY is a BIG source of prayers and well wishes.

2 The discussions of equipment, lures, techniques, and a break down of different locations.

3 The discussions and comparisons of boats and motors.

4 All the great info on how to fix trouble shoot problems with all types of equipment.

These are just a few that I can think of right now.

[Igor Drackenwolf]

I like this site a lot, and visit is several times per week during open water season.

My ONLY wish would be that more people would update more of the forums more regularly. I know that's nothing that anyone can do anything about. But sometimes a whole forum topic will remain unchanged for days or even weeks at a time. Looking for the latest news on a lake or a region/area sometimes yields nothing current.

But still, there aren't many better places to find info.

[Dylan33]

I ended up on HSO because I was looking to buy a 20 inch box fan...the rest, as they say, is history.

[CANOPY SAM]

I love HotpotOutdoors because of the wide variety of forums with a huge member population with a wealth of information. There aren't a lot of sites around where you can talk fishing, hunting, cooking, automotive repair, boats, lawn/garden, edibles, sports, etc.

One stop shopping for all hobbies.

Amen! +1 right here!

I do get tired of the lunk heads with zero reading comprehension skills, and those that just pick fights for no other reason then to stir the pot, but all in all it's a great place to visit with good people.

[ozzie]

This site is the most active consistantly and the most helpful when it comes to questions that you don't have answers to. This site also, as mentioned, can be a good tool to cope with loss, hard times, trying times, or just to get the word out to others in regards to a cause you may have passion for. It has been 3 years almost to the date when I used the power of this site to help me look for and deal with the loss of my dear friend. I still look back and am amazed by the kind words and help that not only I but my friends family recieved. This is truley a one of a kind site with family feel even if we are mostly cyber family!!

Oh and the fishing reports aren't too bad either!!!

Take care,

Ozzie

[dan z]

I was in high school in the computer lab looking for a current fishing report. Lurked for a while. Became a member. Got kicked of for whatever reason came back as a different user and have enjoyed helping/learning new things every week. I'm on at least once a day to see if I can help and post when I gave an experience in the outdoors.

[eyeguy 54]

hunting, fishing, camping, pics, birdies, silly town, cooking, smoking, tons of other stuff. great place for info and fun reading about things to try. so many opinions on so many items. popped in here years ago after a friend told me about HSO. Used to post a lot of smally pics years ago. 3 user names later I think I am hooked on this site. lol, met some great river rats on here a long time ago and happy to still be friends. now meeting new people and the fun goes on.

[harvey lee]

Well, I joined Fishing Mn years ago and yes, I post a lot as I am sure most know. Started out as Lee Harvey, lost my password and now Harvey lee. Between the two usernames, not sure how I got to almost 40,000 posts.

Found this site searching for fishing reports in South Central Minnesota.

I have made many friends on this HSOforum and enjoy posting and sharing hunting and fishing reports.

Went from a poster to an Admin, decided to go back to simply being a member, great site with a lot of info and many great people.

Seems it does not matter what the subject is, so many on the HSOforum have the answers and are more than willing to help and share, that's what makes this site as great as it is along with all the members.

The GTG's are also a great time to attend and meet others in the forums.

[Finns]

Started going to Ely back in late 80's. Didn't get a computer till mid 90's and started looking for info about the area. This place jumped out as head and shoulders above all the rest!

So much information! If you can't find it here you don't need to know it.

Wish I could meet more of the people. (burntside bash?)

[Matt Johnson]

Great topic. Always fun to remember the years with FM (FishingMinnesota.com) and how it evolved into HSO and an information powerhouse. HSO/FM has always been a "second family" to me and without it I wouldn't have met some of my closest friends, not to mention my passion/career in the fishing industry.

I remember the days of the "Metro Area Get Togethers" and some of us still talk about them today. The old IceLeaders events and the so, so, sooooo many memories and stories between them all! The HotBite fishing show and IceLeaders online TV. The seminars put on by FM throughout all the Gander Mountain locations. The list goes on and on. FM/HSO has done an amazing job bringing the outdoor community together and in my opinion should receive hall of fame honors (if there was such a thing for online fishing forums).

Back when online information was limited, FishingMinnesota.com was a trailblazer for fishing resources. Many forums have since-then followed suite and offered other choices for obtaining info, all of which seem to build a passion much-like FM/HSO.

I remember when my screen name used to be "MJ5" and I used to chat daily with "Exudedude", "Surface Tension" and many others... and the awesome part is that those names have changed to Deitz Dittrich and Frank DeLuca and have become leaders for fishing info (just a couple examples but many others).

The stories can go on and on, but the bottom line is that FM/HSO has been a great place to not only gather info, but an even better place to share in the outdoor sport(s) we all love. This HSOforum, in some way, has been a part of my life since I joined over a decade ago and it's amazing the friendships that have been built!

Great job Rick and team!!

[Jeremy airjer W]

I remember searching the internet for fishing sites back in the winter of 2000-2001. There where a couple but HSO seemed to have what I was looking for. That and at the time there was a discussion on propane tanks that needed to be straightened out and as soon as I finally registered in January of 2001, I started letting my wealth of useless information flow out of my fingers and onto your screens.

[BoxMN]

All the fishing and hunting forums are great, but I gotta say the Home Improvement, Auto, Boating, ATV, Camping and Sledding forums are what made me a regular years ago. The experience and advice that professionals and DIY'ers bring and share is incredible, and have helped me many many many times over.

SillyTown is good for entertainment too, so I hope it never goes away

[MattL]

I think I first discovered FM back in about 2003 when I was still in high school. I was looking for up to date info on Pool 4 at the time. I viewed the forums for quite a while before I finally joined towards the end of college. It was about that time I realized I was bored with bass fishing during the summer months and started exclusively targeting walleyes in southern Minnesota. I learned quite a bit about catching walleyes in southern MN from reading posts by a few guys that are no longer posting in this site for whatever reasons.

[Early Riser]

I stumbled across this site in 2001, and check many areas regularly. It is one of about 5 sites I am likely to check when I have time at the computer at home. I am typically very busy with work and life so can't take much time most days.

The thing I like the best is that we are all afirm a common shared background and common culture of interest in regional outdoor interests. Even in the political debates, though people disagree, we can keep coming back to learn more about other perspectives. There are some real characters, knowledgeable, witty and smart folks here. The only areas I don't look at are the entertainment or sports topics.

[tacklejunkie]

The LOTW reports, esp. the NCOR by Kurt Quesnell(sp), and the Duluth and health and fitness forum but that's been quiet as of late

[B-man715]

For me, I have to say my favorite thing about this site is talking with "like-minded" people.

One can get answers to questions about a fishing tactic, a lawn mower blade, career advice, a recipe..... and the best thing..... is that it comes from "guys like us", with real world experience and who are genuinely trying to help out.

I love nothing more than reading the stories and seeing the photos of all of the guys, gals, and kids. Whether it be on the water....in a treestand..... fish house......... turkey blind...... the list goes on.....

I don't Tweet....... I don't Facebook....... I don't Instagram..... I HSO

The only thing I wish was different about this site, is if we could have a high traffic general disscusion area where anything could be asked, answered and discussed (again, by like-minded sportsman, not just a bunch of weirdos on Google, Ask, Yahoo etc)

For instance:

There are a lot of sub-forums on here, but no where to let you guys know that my Wife and I are not only adding one new fisherman to the boat....... but we recently found out it will be two!

I'm a little terrified..... and sure could use some reassurance from sportsman Dads that my days of hunting and fishing aren't over

[Down Deep]

I've learned lots and hope some of my posts have been a benefit to someone. I like the Open and Ice Fishing forums, followed by Home Improvement, Gardeing, Recipes, BWCA/Duluth. While this site no longer a primary stop for me like it used to be, I do take a short look to see what's new most days.

[Surface Tension]

Back in 2002 I heard small bits & pieces about a crappie boom on Red Lake.

I did a search and ended up at Fishing MN in Red Lake forum. Kelly P was the resident Red Lake Crappie Lord, for sure.

Little did I know then that later, I'd be all in on this site.

HSO is a solid home for staff and members. We need all 3 for this to work but without members we're nothing. Yeah one stop shop and its the diversity of members and staff that make it possible. HSO is a 2nd family to me and we hope that eventually all feel that way.

I've meet a lot of members and staff here at events and get togethers and with that made friendships. That would have to be "what I love" about HSO. When you see a GTG posted know that your all welcome and don't be sheepish about introducing yourself. Funny thing, when I meet someone from forum I ask whats your real name. Real name as in your HSO name.

Other outdoor sites are much the same and the majority of members are just like HSO's. I haven't and never had any rivalry there and would be silly to do so.

Silly town, IMO if you rounded up the regulars and put them on a deserted island I think they'd all get along. Or it make a good reality show.